"Living A Faith Filled Life ... First Billing"

   Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

   For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

   By faith we understand that the world's were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

   By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. Hebrews 11:1-4

Living a life of faith and obtaining a good testimony are what every person listed in Hebrews 11 has done. I believe that each one listed teaches us a truth about faith and how it can truly be the substance that keeps our hearts protected and wholly devoted to serving the God who spoke the world into existence. That being said, it brings us to verse four and our first 'elder of faith' and His hallmark moment. So, next up, Abel and His more excellent sacrifice. 

      'By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.' Hebrews 11:4 

Not much is really known about Abel. Mostly he is famous for two things, his sacrifice to God and being murdered by his brother because of it. Usually when thinking about faith filled events you think about facing down giants, fiery furnaces, mouths of lions, raising the dead, or even walking on water but in this case it is simply that, by faith, Abel, offered to God an excellent sacrifice. What made it excellent? And why did it take faith on Abels part? And most important of all, what can we take from his example to strengthen our faith?

In order to answer these questions we need to take a look in Genesis 4. 'Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the frontlines of his flock and of their fat. And th Lord respected Abel and His offering, but He did not respect Cain and His offering. And Cain was very angry, and His countenance fell.'  Genesis 4:2-5

Both Cain and Abel gave God a sacrifice. So what was the difference? What made Abel's an act of faith? I believe the answer is found in these words ..."Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock." It says of Cain ..."in the process of time it came to pass that he brought an offering..." which literally means 'at the end of days.' Abel's was a fitstfruits, first place offering while Cain's was given at the end of the season with what was left. Both of which indicate a heart attitude towards God. Abel's indicates one of adoration because you give first place and best you have to the one you love! Cain's sacrifice seems more like an act of duty than, (and this too is a key word) a gift meant to bless God. In Hebrews 11:4 it ends the verse with 'God testifying of his gifts; and through it He being dead still speaks.' God Himselfs tells us that Abel's sacrifice was meant as a gift to Him and that as such it was an act of faith that still speaks to us today.

Abel, the man who gets first billing in this chapter of hallmark moments of faith, teaches us that putting God first and or giving Him first place in what we say and do is an act of faith that God Himself considers a gift that speaks!

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37